NURS 134 Introduction to Pharmacology

3 credits

A systems approach is utilized as it relates to pharmacological interventions by the nurse. There is an emphasis on client information literacy, cultural awareness, and issues involving non-compliance with therapies.

Prerequisites: NURS 111, NURS 112.

Quarters Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring

Student Outcomes/Competencies:
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Holistically care for self, patients, colleagues, and community within an ethical, legal, and diverse framework within the scope of practice of the RN
- Apply legal and ethical standards related to the administration of prescribed medications (QSEN: Safety)
Demonstrate competency in educating and communicating with patients, families, interdisciplinary teams, and systems with a focus on quality health care promotion and functional patient centered outcomes
- Initiate client teaching regarding medications that demonstrates cultural awareness (QSEN: Patient Centered Care) (GO: Intercultural Awareness)
Implement the nursing care process to demonstrate safe, competent and evidence- based care within a variety of settings using appropriate tools and technologies
- Use information technology to access current, reliable information regarding medications ordered (QSEN: Informatics) (QSEN: Evidence-based Practice)
Utilize clinical reasoning skills to synthesize patient assessment data, scientific knowledge, and pharmacology to safely manage a rapidly changing health care status
- Describe the basic mechanisms of drug metabolism in the body including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion and how these are affected by human diversity (GO: Intercultural Appreciation)
- Identify the mechanisms of action, adverse effects, and the nursing implications in administration of the major classifications of drugs including those affecting:
  - Regulation and control
  - Oxygenation and circulation
  - Elimination and nutrition
  - Protection and defenses (GO: Information Literacy)
Provide leadership to effectively collaborate and delegate with patient, family, interdisciplinary, systems administration and the wider community
- Use critical thinking to determine effective nursing actions and communicate with other members of the health care team in relationship to clients’ responses to drugs (QSEN: Teamwork and Collaboration) (GO: Communication, Teamwork, Critical Thinking)

Total Hours: 30 Lecture Hours: 30